Dana reviews Apogee's premium MQ-500 Quantum (PAR) Meter and explains why reefkeepers should measure the light levels in their aquariums. Apogee has also introduced a new quantum meter specifically designed for underwater aquarium use.

The Apogee MQ-200 Quantum Meter offers many advantages to aquarium hobbyists. The meter is relatively inexpensive (as quantum meters go) and the submersible sensor is small and allows measurements to be made in tight spots. Hobbyists should take a careful look and see if this PAR meter is for them.

This review will report on operational issues of a MP60 that has seen over a year of service. How well did the pump hold up? What problems, if any, encountered? These questions and others will be answered below.

Often overlooked and underappreciated, the Atlantic biotopes are amazing aquariums. Sustainable inhabitants are here in our own backyards and ready for hobbyists to create new and interesting aquariums. Much can be learned about these animals from captive systems and hobbyists have a remarkable opportunity in front of them to participate in the process and progress.

Marineland Aquarium Products' Maxi-Jet pumps have been around for quite some time. Recently, their design changed as well as their country of manufacture. The manufacturer promises relatively high performance while offering them at very modest prices. Is this a case of 'you get what you pay for' or are they a true value?

James Fatherree and Dr. David Flanigan asked hobbyists to test samples of the same water with multiple test kits. The results were interesting, with important lessons learned for both hobbyists and testing manufacturers.

By James W. Fatherree, M.Sc. on
May 09, 2012
at 11:00 AM
(
2012-05-09T15:00:00+00:00 )

It is imperative that you use reflectors with T-5 bulbs, and individual reflectors do a better job of sending light into a tank than a single reflector. Bulb temperature and even an aquarium's background has a measurable effect on lighting performance.

The internet is generally a good resource of information but I did find some sites containing DIY tips for building plywood tanks that presented outdated or inaccurate information. This article will attempt to correct that information and detail the trials and tribulations of plywood aquarium construction along with updated information as well as construction time, a cost breakout and lessons learned.

By Craig Bagby on
May 25, 2011
at 08:00 AM
(
2011-05-25T12:00:00+00:00 )

Craig shares his 335 gallon reef system with us this month. His 247 gallon peninsula-style main display - with elegantly minimalistic aquascaping - and frag tank are home to an impressive assortment of vibrant corals and fishes

The description of this tanks sounds like a list of things not to do when setting up a reef tank: it has no live rock, no live sand, minimal filtration, no additives, the water is never tested, 100% water changes and yet this 5 gallon glass box is one of the most attractive, successful and least demanding reef tanks that I have ever set up.

In any case, a planted tank occasionally needs to be bushwhacked and replanted and there a few things the aquarist can do to make the rebirth of their aquarium go as smoothly and efficiently as possible.